Key TakeawaysBart Scott was released by ESPN (date) as part of a larger wave tied to ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network earlier this year.
-Scott had been with ESPN New York since 2017, first appearing on The Michael Kay Show and Humpty & Canty before becoming a full‑time host in 2020 (first with Alan Hahn, then with Chris Carlin on Bart & Carlin starting in 2025).
-Chris Carlin addressed the departure live on the Bart & Carlin show, expressing that the news is still “setting in,” acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the program’s future, and sharing his own experience with prior layoffs.
-Carlin emphasized his personal affection for Scott, noted the difficulty of the situation for many industry colleagues, and highlighted that the layoff reflects a broader trend across media and sports broadcasting.
-ESPN has not announced a replacement co‑host for Scott, leaving open whether Carlin will continue solo, be paired with a new voice, or see the midday daypart reconfigured.
-The departure underscores ESPN’s ongoing restructuring after the NFL Network deal and serves as a reminder of the volatility facing on‑air talent in today’s media landscape.
Bart Scott’s exit from ESPN and ESPN New York was confirmed on Tuesday morning when his long‑time radio partner, Chris Carlin, spoke about the development live on their Bart & Carlin program. According to reports, Scott’s release is part of a wider round of layoffs that ESPN instituted after acquiring the NFL Network earlier in the year. The move affected numerous employees across the company, and Scott—who had been a fixture on ESPN New York since 2017—was among those let go.
Scott’s tenure with ESPN New York began with guest appearances on The Michael Kay Show and Humpty & Canty. In 2020 he was promoted to a full‑time host, initially teaming with Alan Hahn. When that partnership ended, Scott was paired with Chris Carlin, and the duo launched the Bart & Carlin show in 2025. The program quickly became a staple of the station’s midday lineup, known for its blend of football analysis, lively banter, and Carlin’s steady interviewing style.
During the live address, Carlin conveyed a mixture of disbelief and resignation. “Frankly, it’s all just kind of setting in,” he said, noting that many details remain unresolved. He refrained from speculating further, acknowledging that commenting too soon would be “silly.” Carlin also revealed that he has personal experience with layoffs, having gone through a similar situation earlier in his career. “Similar to a lot of colleagues, I have been in this position before. I am thinking of them. And it’s not an easy place to be. If you personally have been there before in your career, you know what it’s like,” he remarked, underscoring the empathy he feels for Scott and others affected.
Carlin’s remarks also highlighted his affection for Scott. “I love him. Just for so many people, this is a very tough day. This is an unfortunate reality across a lot of industries these days, especially ours,” he said, framing the departure not just as a professional loss but as a personal one given their repeated collaborations. The host’s tone reflected both the shock of the sudden change and a recognition that industry‑wide pressures are driving such decisions.
What remains unclear is the future of the Bart & Carlin show. ESPN has not named a replacement co‑host for Scott, and Carlin hinted that several items are still “up in the air.” It is unknown whether he will continue solo, be paired with a new voice, or if the midday daypart will be restructured entirely. The uncertainty leaves both the audience and the station’s programming team in a holding pattern as they await further announcements.
Analysts view Scott’s departure as another example of ESPN’s broader restructuring efforts following the NFL Network acquisition. The company has been streamlining operations, consolidating resources, and trimming personnel to align with its new strategic focus. For ESPN New York, the loss of a well‑known personality like Scott could affect listener loyalty and the station’s competitive position in the crowded New York sports‑talk market. Carlin’s own history with layoffs adds a layer of credibility to his empathy, potentially helping him navigate the transition while maintaining audience trust.
In the wider context, the sports media industry has faced a wave of cost‑cutting measures, layoffs, and shifts toward digital‑first platforms. Traditional radio shows, especially those tied to large corporate entities like ESPN, are not immune to these pressures. The situation with Scott and Carlin serves as a reminder that even established on‑air talent must remain adaptable as companies realign their assets and respond to evolving consumer habits.
Overall, Scott’s exit marks a significant moment for ESPN New York, underscoring the human impact of corporate restructuring while also highlighting the resilience and professionalism of colleagues like Chris Carlin who continue to deliver content amid uncertainty. As the station decides how to fill the void left by Scott, listeners will be watching closely to see whether the Bart & Carlin brand can endure in a new form or whether a fresh direction will be pursued for the midday slot.
John Mamola, Barrett Media’s sports editor, contributed to the reporting of this story. With over two decades of experience in broadcast brand management, talent development, and multimedia strategy, Mamola brings a deep understanding of the forces shaping today’s sports media landscape.